KST – Partnering for Excellence in Education

KST is a collaboration between Kagiso Trust and the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, the collaboration emerged from the experiences of both entities in the implementation of their respective whole school development programmes.

The aim was to develop a model that leverages the methodologies and best practices of each organisation. The result was an integrated District Whole School Development (DWSD) model, addressing infrastructure development, curriculum support, social development and leadership in schools, which could be implemented at a district level.

In March 2013, KST and the Free State Department of Education (FSDoE) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve education in the Fezile Dabi and Motheo districts in the Free State province.

The MoU, between KST and the FSDoE, served as a vital component in the transformation of basic education in South Africa. The nature of the KST partnership with the FSDoE has contributed significantly towards getting the programme off the ground.

In June 2018, the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) joined the partnership, signing a contract agreement that would enhance the existing DWSD programme to include the implementation of an Instructional Leadership intervention across the two districts, over three years.

The combined financial contribution is accompanied by strategic and technical leveraging to ensure that the vision of KST is realised, that is, leveraging each partners’ strategic and technical expertise.

OUR VISION

An effective and functional school with creative spaces for children to experience the joy of learning and fulfil their educational potential.

OUR MISSION

Partnering for impact in education through a District Whole School Development Model that transforms schools to reach levels of optimal functionality.

OUR VALUES

Integrity
Accountability
Wholistic view
Long-term thinking
Partnership

KST is run by passionate individuals, dedicated to making an impact in changing the landscape of education in South Africa. The dedicated workstreams are complemented by the knowledge, guidance and strategic leadership of all four organisations (Free State Department of Education, Kagiso Trust and Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation and FirstRand Empowerment Foundation). This is a unique pilot project and various committees are in place to mitigate potential risks and ensure proper governance and accountability at all levels.

The programme is being implemented in all schools in Fezile Dabi district and selected schools in Botshabelo and Thaba N’chu municipalities in the Motheo district. These schools include primary, secondary, combined, intermediate and high schools.

Through this integration, the District Whole School Development (DWSD) model is poised to influence a broader systemic change in the education sector. The DWSD model is aimed at transforming public school education based on a district by district approach across South Africa.

The implementation of the programme commenced in 2014, in two Free State districts: Motheo and Fezile Dabi. Five years into the programme and we are excited and energised to continue the work we do to uplift schools, educators, learners and communities. As KST, we recommit ourselves to serving our children and our country.

The District Whole School Development model seeks to see a large number of schools undergo systematic transformation through its four-prong approach as follows:

Transformation and Empowerment Workshops
Curriculum development through educator capacitation and training
Infrastructure development
Instructional Leadership and Governance in the school, including Youth Leadership development.

THE THEORY OF CHANGE

If the educator is capacitated through professional development and training and the school environment is improved through investing in infrastructure, curriculum development and leadership support and the district office is strengthened to better support the schooling system, then we expect to see a significant improvement in learner performance that is sustainable.